Star mare Sheza Alibi will face a test beyond a mile for the first time this weekend, and her younger half-brother, Nomadic, will similarly be stretched over distance.
Nomadic is set to make his mark in the Sydney spring carnival at Rosehill, with a potential Group One start looming after his upcoming assignments.
The three-year-old colt is among the acceptors for the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) this Saturday. A strong showing in this race would significantly boost his chances of contesting the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick two weeks later.
His path to the Gloaming Stakes includes a maiden victory at Kembla Grange, where he competed against older horses. He settled in a handy position before demonstrating tenacity to defeat the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Van Hoven.
“He had to dig deep to fight off Gai’s horse, but I think he went better ridden more positively and put up on speed,” John Thompson remarked.
“They beat the rest of them a fair way.
“We’ll try him over a bit further and see how he handles it.”
Thompson intends for Nomadic to adopt a forward position in the Gloaming Stakes, which features a field of 12 runners, including Ming Dynasty Quality winner Persian Wonder and the Dulcify Stakes quinella pair, Wonka and Genesis Runner.
Although this represents an increase in class for Nomadic, he previously placed behind Southend and Persian Wonder in the Group 3 Baillieu (1400m) during the autumn. He also performed creditably when finishing fifth to Fireball in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m).
Similar to how Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman are assessing Sheza Alibi’s suitability for middle-distance racing in Saturday’s Might And Power Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield, Thompson is uncertain about Nomadic’s ability to handle the increased distance on Saturday. However, his performances this campaign suggest he possesses staying potential.
“He looks like it. Whether he is or not, I don’t know,” Thompson stated.
“But he’s in great order. He came through that run like he hadn’t had a run, so fingers crossed.
“He’s a valuable colt if he comes good.”
Both Sheza Alibi and Nomadic are offspring of the Shaft mare Sheza Gypsy, who was a six-time winner, all in country New South Wales races.
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